Blog

September 29, 2021September 28, 2021

High Levels of Caffeine May Increase the Risk of Glaucoma

A new study suggests that consuming large amounts of caffeine may increase the risk of glaucoma for individuals with high genetic predisposition towards higher eye pressure. This new study led by researchers at Mount Sinai in New York was published in the journal Ophthalmology.

In this study, researchers used data from a large databased called the UK Biobank, and analyzed records from over 120,000 participants. These records included DNA (genetic data) questionnaires about lifestyle, including caffeine intake and eye health records. Using this information, researchers found that for most people, higher caffeine
intake did not lead to an increased risk of glaucoma. However, for individuals with the strongest genetic risk for developing higher intraocular pressure, consuming three or more cups of coffee a day increased the risk of developing glaucoma.

It should be noted that this increased risk was only seen in individuals with high genetic risk and at high levels of caffeine intake. The study suggests that people who are at high risk may want to moderate their caffeine intake.

September 27, 2021May 20, 2026

Silhouette Launches Lite Arcs Collection

The Lite Arcs collection is a modern interpretation of the Nylor frame. This collection revamps the Classic Nylor frame with a perfect mix of cutting-edge technology and unmistakeable style. Silhouette uses the highest levels of craftsmanship, such as the elaborate airbrushing techniques which are used to create the distinct colour effects on the ladies’ models.

The colour palette features Midnight Plum (as seen in illustrated model 4556 col. 754030) in a sophisticated colour blocking pattern which adds a touch of style to this classic design.

Distributed by COS: canadianoptical.com

September 24, 2021September 24, 2021

Transitions and the OAC Now Accepting Applications for the 2021 Students of Vision Scholarship Program

As part of a partnership to support the next generation of eyecare professionals, Transitions Optical and the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) are now accepting submissions for the 2021 Students of Vision Scholarship Program. Currently enrolled (for the 2021-2022 school year) opticianry, optometry and optometric assistant students from across Canada are eligible to apply for the chance to win one of three prizes: a $2,500, $1,500 or $500 scholarship.

To enter the scholarship program, students must develop a project in the form of an essay, video or presentation about how they will approach the increased need for light protection to improve their patients’ vision and lives in their upcoming role as an optical professional. A flyer detailing the scholarship program challenge can be found HERE. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges against the following criteria: creativity, strategic thinking and ethics.

This year’s topic was inspired by research from Transitions Optical around the increased need for light protection due to changing consumer behaviour sparked by the global pandemic.

“Over the past year, we’ve learned that changing consumer behaviour has had an impact on many people’s eye health and vision,” said Arnaud Rajchenbach, marketing manager, TransitionsOptical in Canada. “Incoming optical industry professionals will benefit from having a good understanding of light protection needs of their patients, and of the solutions to help them improve their visual experience.”

“The future of the optical industry is in the hands of the young people joining the field,” said Robert Dalton, Executive Director, OAC. “This scholarship topic is a great way to help students learn about light sensitivity and protection.”

All submissions should be sent to StudentsofVision@Transitions.com by November 1, 2021. The winners will be announced on November 15, 2021.

Click HERE for the full press release.

September 24, 2021September 24, 2021

Transitions Announces “The Studio,” An In-Person Exclusive Experience for Trainers and Educators

Transitions Optical in Canada is hosting a unique educational experience—Transitions^® The Studio—for industry trainers, sales reps and eyecare professionals on October 26, 2021, at the Hilton Lac-Leamy in Gatineau-Ottawa, Quebec, Canada. The audience will interact with experts on effective storytelling and patient education strategies, and Transitions training professionals as they deep dive into the Transitions^® lens portfolio, including the new generation of Transitions^® XTRActive^® lenses and the new Transitions^® XTRActive^® Polarized^™ lenses. The Canada event will build on the success and key learnings of Transitions The Studio event in the U.S., held in June, 2021.

Eighty-four percent of eyecare professionals report that sales rep and brand consultant visits and training are an important source of information when deciding on what lens products to recommend to their patients. The migration to digital technologies has increased the adoption of virtual and digital training resources. This has put pressure on trainers and eyecare professionals to strengthen their best practices, both digitally and in real life. Through this unique event, attendees will learn and share best practices, develop storytelling skills, and sharpen their training strategies for 2021.

“As was the case for our colleagues in the U.S., Transitions The Studio event will be the place to launch a new community of trainers. We want to empower the many trainers, sales reps and eyecare professionals that are advocating for and educating others on the vision, light protection and style benefits of Transitions lenses in any light,” said Arnaud Rajchenbach, marketing manager, Transitions Optical in Canada. “This event is for all coaches, trainers and reps who love the Transitions brand, and want to have an enjoyable and immersive experience learning and contributing to the conversation. We believe in training, and we see the impact on sales and knowledge with the Transitions Certification Program for ECPs and reps and want to continue that momentum.”

Attendees will be able to increase their product knowledge on photochromics, grow as a professional, focus on educating patients or others, and build their sales, dispensing, or eyewear styling skills.

To provide a safe learning environment, COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place, in compliance with local health authorities and with the Hilton Lac-Leamy. This is an exclusive event with limited capacity. Trainers, sales reps and eyecare professionals interested in attending should request a spot through their Transitions lab or sales representative or by contacting cscanada@transitions.com .

Click HERE for the full press release.

September 23, 2021September 21, 2021

Safilo and Coventya: Together for an Innovative and Sustainable Production Process

Safilo continues investing in sustainability and process innovation thanks to a strategic partnership with Coventya, a global player with more than ninety years of experience in the development of specialty chemicals for surface finishing treatments.

Thanks to the joint efforts of the two companies, Safilo will be the first player in the eyewear sector to exclusively use ‘Metal X’, a new innovative Coventya patent that allows the use of precious metals in galvanic treatments for the production of optical frames and sunglasses to be reduced by 90%.

Metal X will be introduced at Safilo’s Longarone plant and will allow Safilo to significantly reduce the use and consumption of palladium. Consequently, the use of ‘Metal X’ will help contribute to reducing exploitation of the ground for the sourcing of precious metals.

Metal X will be used in Safilo’s eyewear collections produced in Italy starting with the August 2021 release.

“The partnership with Coventya is particularly strategic for Safilo as it allows us to be the first to introduce a new and effective sustainable solution in our eyewear production processes,” said Fabio Roppoli, Chief Product Supply Officer of the Safilo Group. “By eliminating palladium in favor of Metal X, we take a further step forward in our business strategies focused on sustainability and we are sure that this innovation will be appreciated by our customers and consumers, who are increasingly concerned about these issues.”

“It was particularly significant for us to be able to create a material that offered the same qualitative and technical properties as palladium and could be used in replacement of natural precious metals,” said Coline Nelias, Coventya International Product Manager. “Thanks to this collaboration, our patent has been introduced in the galvanic baths of Longarone effectively and with high-quality standards”.

Click HERE for the full press release.